Keegan stands by Shearer to the end

England coach Kevin Keegan is standing by his captain Alan Shearer - despite his first choice striker being completely upstaged by a man not included in the latest England squad .

Andy Cole hit four goals for Manchester United in a 5-1 demolition of Newcastle at Old Trafford yesterday in which Shearer barely managed to touch the ball.

England face Luxembourg at Wembley on Saturday and then a tough trip to Poland on September 8th and need two wins to get into contention for a November play-off to make the Europe 2000 finals next summer.

"Andy Cole's response was the perfect response of a professional footballer."

"I think it's a wonderful response. I left a message on Alex's answer phone to say please send me a bottle of wine because I am motivating your players " said Keegan.

Shearer remains the first choice despite a traumatic start to the new season.

"Shearer gets his chance on Saturday to write his won story. That's the beauty of football."

"What Alan Shearer has to do now is draw a line. There has been massive upheaval at his club. He has taken his fair share of flak in that. Some of the stuff that has been written I personally feel has been over the top. I didn't see the game against United. Okay, he draws a line there. This is England now. He will definitely play and definitely be captain."

"You may say that's putting him under more pressure but I don't think Alan Shearer can be put under any more pressure.

Keegan has decided to keep Shearer away from the press this week but said the player had already volunteered to conduct interviews of he was needed. "The questions he will be asked won't be of any benefit " according to the England manager.

"I haven't had a chance to see the game (United v Newcastle). I don't want to see it from a Newcastle point of view" Keegan joked about the 5-1 defeat of his former side at Old Trafford yesterday.

Keegan was full of praise for a man in contention to be Shearer's partner in attack on Saturday - Robbie Fowler.

"Robbie Fowler stood out like a beacon against Arsenal. His performance was breathtaking."